5.5 Using the Whiteboard
The Whiteboard is the default screen when you log into Collaborate. It is a versatile space where you can draw, type or upload a PowerPoint presentation.
Whiteboard Features
To the left of the screen when in Whiteboard mode, you will see a tool panel. This chart shows what each tool within the panel does:
These are the "live" tools. They allow you to collaborate with participants in-the-moment, while you are talking. But, they are not the only way to use the Whiteboard...
Upload a PowerPoint to the Whiteboard
You can also load a pre-made PowerPoint presentation to the Whiteboard and use it just as you would in a classroom lecture with one catch: No transitions or animations.
Instead, Collaborate takes a static screenshot of each of your slides, and posts it as separate slides on the Whiteboard that you can then flip through as you speak.
Hint: Make sure PowerPoint is closed on your computer before attempting to upload a presentation, or it will not work. Also, only PowerPoint works for this trick. Keynote and OpenOffice are not compatible with the Whiteboard at this time.
To upload your PowerPoint presentation, click the Load Content button on the right-side of your screen.
Instead, Collaborate takes a static screenshot of each of your slides, and posts it as separate slides on the Whiteboard that you can then flip through as you speak.
Hint: Make sure PowerPoint is closed on your computer before attempting to upload a presentation, or it will not work. Also, only PowerPoint works for this trick. Keynote and OpenOffice are not compatible with the Whiteboard at this time.
To upload your PowerPoint presentation, click the Load Content button on the right-side of your screen.
Select your PowerPoint file, then click Open. Collaborate will then open your PowerPoint file, take pictures of each slide, and upload them to the Whiteboard. Use the left and right arrows to scroll through your slides. Make sure the box next to "Follow" is checked so that your participants see you scrolling through the slides as you speak.
Next Step
When you are ready, move on to Section 5.6 Recording Lectures